Saffranssemlor are a delicious Swedish variation of the classic semla (a sweet roll traditionally eaten before Lent). In this version, saffron is added to the dough, creating a fragrant and festive golden bun, often served around Christmas and Advent. The saffron flavor combined with the fluffy cardamom-spiced bun and rich almond paste filling makes saffranssemlor a perfect holiday treat.
Here’s a recipe to make Saffranssemlor:
Saffranssemlor (Swedish Saffron Buns with Almond Paste Filling)
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (approximately)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the filling:
- 1 1/2 cups almond paste
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)
For the whipped cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Saffron:
- Crush the saffron threads in a small bowl with a pinch of sugar to release the flavor and color.
- Add 2 tbsp of hot water to the saffron and let it steep for about 10 minutes. This will infuse the water with the deep golden color and aromatic flavor of the saffron.
2. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not too hot (about 100°F or 37°C).
- Add the yeast to the warm milk, stir, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cardamom.
- Add the melted butter, saffron water, and the yeast mixture from step 2. Mix until combined.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as you want a soft dough.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Buns:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12-16 even pieces (depending on how large you want your buns).
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between the buns, as they will expand during baking.
- Cover the buns and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake the Buns:
- Before baking, gently brush the tops of the buns with a beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake the buns for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Filling:
- While the buns are cooling, prepare the almond paste filling.
- In a bowl, mix the almond paste with powdered sugar and heavy cream (or milk) until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste. You can adjust the consistency by adding more cream if needed.
8. Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
9. Assemble the Saffranssemlor:
- Once the buns have cooled, slice off the tops of each bun. Hollow out a small amount of the inside of each bun to create room for the filling.
- Spread a generous amount of almond paste filling into the hollowed part of each bun.
- Top the filling with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Place the tops of the buns back on and gently press down.
10. Serve:
- Optionally, dust the top of the buns with a little powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Serve the saffranssemlor immediately or chill for a short time before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Saffron: Use high-quality saffron for the best flavor and color. It’s worth the extra effort for a rich, fragrant loaf.
- Whipped Cream: Make sure the cream is cold before whipping for the best texture.
- Almond Paste: If you want a smoother filling, you can blend the almond paste with the powdered sugar and cream in a food processor.
- Storage: These buns are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a few days.
Serving Suggestions:
Saffranssemlor are perfect for a festive Swedish fika or holiday gathering. Serve them with a warm drink like coffee, hot chocolate, or glögg (Swedish mulled wine) for a truly cozy treat. They can also be a lovely dessert for Christmas or other special occasions.
Enjoy these saffranssemlor for a deliciously sweet, golden addition to your Swedish holiday traditions!
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